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A smallish town in Marin County, Tiburon is situated at the tip of a peninsula stretching out into the San Francisco Bay, where the views are nothing short of amazing. A popular day jaunt for SF denizens via a 20-minute ferry ride, "Tiburon is slightly more low-key than Sausalito, and the community favors Sunday brunch and cocktail hour," Fodor's says.

On three acres just off Main Street, The Lodge at Tiburon's recent renovation makes the destination even more appealing (if that's possible). Taking a cue from its location just steps from the Bay, rooms have an airy, California vibe with plantation shutters, neutral colors, and wainscot headboards—most have balconies or patios. Complimentary wireless Internet access, mini fridges, DVD players (a selection of movies can be found at the front desk), and Gilchrist & Soames bath products round out the in-room amenities, while cabanas surround the property's heated pool and whirlpool. On chilly evenings, guests gather by a fire on the Skydeck.

For more extensive vistas, hike the Ridge Trail or head to Muir Woods, an awe-inspiring redwood forest. Cyclists can take the three-mile paved Tiburon Bike Path to Blackie's Pasture Park, while window shoppers can browse the boutiques and art galleries on Ark Row.

Back at the hotel, the Tiburon Tavern focuses on comfort farm-to-table fare in an atmosphere with a "chic gastropub vibe." Three WineStations dispensing about 20 local and foreign wines and an included card pre-loaded with $20 make it easy to taste a variety of vino. On the menu, shared plates include deviled eggs (organic and local, of course) with house-made chorizo and lamb sliders topped with goat cheddar and harissa yogurt, while the Head to Tail Burger and seared halibut hold court with sides like sweet potato fries and grilled squash with roasted jalapeño salsa verde. And it's not just the dinner dishes that include the name of a local purveyor in the description: In the morning, steel-cut oatmeal and Belgian waffles are topped with seasonal fruit, eggs come from a Sonoma County farm, and the granola is homemade.